Date of Conferral

2016

Degree

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

School

Education

Advisor

Mari V. Tinney

Abstract

As the enrollment of Chinese international students (CIS) increased at a private institution in the Midwest, so did suspected cases of plagiarism. This study addressed the problem of how faculty members grappled with CIS' interpretation and application of Western-based views of plagiarism. The purpose of the study was to identify similarities and differences in the views of these 2 groups. Social cognitive theory, intercultural adaptation theory, and neutralization theory framed this qualitative case study. The research questions focused on how these particular CIS interpreted and applied the Western concept of plagiarism to assignments and exams, the impact of classroom practices and instructional processes on their view and experience, how the faculty members experienced CIS' interpretation and use of Western concepts of plagiarism, and respectively the differences in perceptions of U.S. faculty and of CIS. Eight full-time CIS and 8 faculty members who taught or currently teach CIS were purposefully selected. Data were collected using individual interviews, course syllabi, and plagiarism-related institutional policies. The interview data were analyzed using an ecological perspective to reveal themes; these data were triangulated with the data from course syllabi and institutional policies to ensure research credibility. The results of the study indicated a disconnect between student and faculty perceptions of Western-based contextualized plagiarism, the plagiarism ethos, and academic cultural differences between faculty and CIS that led to the creation of a faculty professional development plan using blended learning focused on cultural differences and teaching methods to deter plagiarism. The results may advance positive social change by improving faculty understanding of CIS and educational practices about plagiarism to better service these students.

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